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What is Pneumonia ?

an infection of the Alveoli

Starts as upper respiratory infection that spreads to lungs

often community acquired

commonly caused by the pathogen Streptococcus

Routes of transmission

Inhalation of contaminated aerosol droplets

Aspiration of oral bacteria to the lungs

Occurs when

There is a problem with a person Pulmonary defences

immunocompromised

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Pulmonary Defenses: cough reflex, alveolar macrofages, mucociliory apparatus, mucus secreations, IGA anti bodies, Micro flora, Nose hair.

Effects of bacterial pneumonia

Dyspnea

Pyrexia & Fever

Wheezing

Fluid filled Alveoli

Broncho constriction

chest pain

Increase of mucus secretions

Congested Alveoli

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children will often present with the following symptoms:

Fever of around 38.5

Cough

Vomiting

Laboured breathing

Chest pain

Abdominal pain

Lethargic

loss of appetite or poor feeding

extreme cases may present with blushing of grey lips and/or fingernails

If the infection is in the lower half of the lung children may only present with Fever, Abdominal pain and Vomiting.

Complications of Pneumonia

Pleurisy- The thin lining between the lung and rib cage (pleray) becomes inflamed, can lead to respiratory failure.

children with pre-existing conditions such as lung disease may suffer from lung abscesses.

Sepsis

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Bacteria enters the alveioli and triggers an immune response.

Macrophages start secreting cytokines

fluid shifts from vascular space to alveioli

causes congestion

The pus that builds up in the lungs as a immune response contains neutrophils and plasma proteins.

These are essential for killing microbes to overcoming infection. However they can also damage the healthy lung cells too.

The accumulation of plasma proteins results in a fluid build up called pulmonary Edema.

This causes difficulties in breathing and impacts gass exchange due to Alveoli becoming too congested to exchange O2 and Co2 between air and blood effectively .

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children suffering from bacterial pneumonia who are to unwell to be treated at home with antibiotics such as amoxicillin will be hospitalised.
The treatment will involve;

IV antibiotics such as penicillin or nafcillin.

Fluids such as isotonic crystalloids (0.9% sodium chloride to prevent or resolve dehydration

Oxygen therapy most children will receive an avg rate of 1-2 L/M, though some children may require more in the early stages of treatment.

In extreme cases where children are servery unwell they may be placed on a ventilator to aid breathing.

most children will spent between 4 to 6 days in hospital.

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Emotional well being

Staying in hospital will cause high levels of stress for the child as well as their family unit.

They may develop a distrust of health professionals and settings.

Physical development

Although these effects are likely to be short term many child will be less mobile and in physical pain whilst suffering.

If the child requires ventilation this can damage the lungs and may have lasting physical effects.